From Vineyards to Glaciers: The Bernina Express Journey Through the Alps

This journey begins in Milan, a perfect base for a pre-departure stay. A recommended hotel here is the elegant Rosa Grand Milano - Starhotels Collezione. Perfectly located near the Duomo, it offers a refined stay that blends modern comfort with classic Milanese style—an ideal starting point before heading into the Alps.

Window seats, alpine views, and my beautiful daughter!

From Milan, travelers typically continue to Tirano, a charming alpine gateway town in northern Italy. This is where the experience truly begins as you board the legendary Bernina Express. The train is beautifully designed with panoramic windows, creating a fully immersive viewing experience as you ascend into the Alps.

Riding the Bernina Express!

What makes this route so extraordinary is the dramatic shift in scenery. You start with warm Italian countryside—vineyards, stone villages, and rolling hills dotted with farms and cattle. As the train climbs, the landscape transforms into alpine lakes, rugged cliffs, glacial valleys, and eventually a stark, snow-covered wonderland. It’s one of the most visually striking rail journeys in the world, and every turn feels like a new postcard moment. I was very lucky to have spent this journey with my best friends.

Rolling hills and cascading waterfalls through the Swiss Alps—where every turn feels like a painting come to life.

Onboard service adds to the experience, with drinks and light refreshments available as you relax in comfort. This is not a rushed journey—it’s designed for appreciation. The train also makes stops along the route where passengers can step off briefly, take photos, and absorb the mountain air before continuing on.

We paused between countries and walked out into the Alps for a few unforgettable minutes—fresh air, mountain silence, and that surreal feeling of being exactly where you’re meant to be: on the Bernina Express.

Arrival in St. Moritz is just as memorable as the journey itself. This glamorous alpine resort town blends luxury shopping, lake views, and world-class dining. A standout place to stay is Badrutt’s Palace Hotel, an iconic property known for its old-world elegance and breathtaking mountain views. We chose to spend two luxury nights here and this was one of the most beautiful hotels I have been to.

Exploring St. Moritz was magical!

Badrutt’s Palace Hotel, a legendary place!

Once in St. Moritz, travelers can enjoy a few hours or an overnight stay exploring designer boutiques, lakeside walks, or spa experiences. From here, the journey can be extended—either returning to Tirano and visiting stunning Lake Como before flying out of Milan, or connecting onward via Chur to Zurich for a full Swiss itinerary. I have done both journeys and highly recommend either.

An icy stillness outside the window—where the Alps pause and the world feels perfectly quiet on the Bernina Express.

The Bernina Express

This route is ideal for a wide range of travelers—from families with children to older guests—thanks to its comfort, safety, and ease of travel. Booking reserved seats in advance is highly recommended, especially in peak summer and winter seasons. I have booked four to six months in advance and my preference is forward-facing seats and window seats for solo travelers.

Weather can significantly impact visibility, so clear days offer the most dramatic views of the Alps and glaciers. Layered clothing is essential, as temperatures can shift quickly between Italy and Switzerland.

For photography lovers, seats on the right-hand side (when traveling from Tirano to St. Moritz) often provide some of the most iconic views, including viaduct crossings and sweeping valley panoramas.

Finally, again consider extending your journey beyond St. Moritz. Whether continuing into Chur or Zurich, or pairing it with Lake Como or Milan, this route fits beautifully into a larger Northern Italy and Switzerland itinerary and remains one of Europe’s most unforgettable rail experiences.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Europe page.